Chargers retain GM Smith through 2014

By Chris Cluff  |   Tuesday, January 01, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

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The San Diego Chargers have signed general manager A.J. Smith to a five-year contract extension, retaining the GM who has built the Chargers into a constant contender. He is now signed through 2014, and the extension is reportedly worth $11 million.

Commentary: Smith, 58, has certainly proven to be adept at acquiring talent. Since he replaced the late John Butler in 2003, Smith has drafted six future Pro Bowl players: linebacker Shawne Merriman, quarterback Philip Rivers, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, center Nick Hardwick, tackle Marcus McNeill and kicker Nate Kaeding. He also has brought in three undrafted rookies who developed into Pro Bowl players: tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman and special-teamer Kassim Osgood.

His biggest move came during the 2004 draft, when he drafted quarterback Eli Manning first overall and traded the posturing prima donna to the New York Giants for Rivers, picks that turned into Merriman and Kaeding and a pick Smith later traded to Tampa Bay for tackle Roman Oben.

Smith's only failing is the ugly squabble he had with coach Marty Schottenheimer, who ended up being fired last year after a 14-2 season resulted in no playoff wins.

"Since A.J. became our general manager, following in the footsteps of John Butler, he's had a distinct and consistent plan to reconstruct the team," team president Dean Spanos said. "He's a firm believer in building through the draft and taking care of our own players. A.J. and his staff have done a great job of identifying quality football players with excellent character and signing them to long-term contracts. By re-signing and extending our key, core players, we now have one of the league's most stable rosters. Those efforts have helped us build a young team that's winning now and built for continued success for years to come."

Fantasy Football Impact: None.

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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding, ...
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